The Orpheus Foundation is an organisation that supports wonderful young musicians in that crucial phase between conservatoires and the profession.

In a time when securing a place in an orchestra is getting ever more difficult, the work that Orpheus does is increasingly important in providing opportunities for young musicians to play in public, meet and work with established members of the profession and develop an all-round knowledge of the orchestral repertoire. We are thrilled that in the few years that Orpheus has existed, already many musicians have gone on to win auditions and trials in various orchestras around the UK.

Throughout the next twelve months, we will perform all the Beethoven Symphonies, work closely with one of the UK's leading composers, Stephen Goss, record a CD, travel to festivals and develop our association with leading orchestral musicians from the BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others.

We welcome a whole host of established soloists, opening the season with Tasmin Little, as well as creating platforms for newly discovered talent. We also welcome back "Orpheus Stars" such as Tamsin Waley-Cohen and Aleksei Kiseliov, who over the years have thrilled our audiences with their music and formed a strong bond with our players and public alike. Most Orpheus Sinfonia concerts take place in St George's, Hanover Square, London W1, the church where Handel used to worship.

The intimate atmosphere and social element surrounding our performances there give our concerts a special appeal. We encourage our audiences to enjoy drinks from the bar and to circulate before concerts and during the interval.